Passion.Fruit

Paper Place

2012-01-22T20:51:00.001-04:00

Keep good,

De Mi Barrio a Tu Barrio

2012-01-13T00:33:00.001-04:00

CC: Everybody in South Africa

2012-01-13T00:21:00.001-04:00

Rodell Warner's solo show Common Room earlier this week tied off his Commonwealth residency in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He continued photo projects like Closer and created his Risk zine and, our poster project CC: Everybody We started CC:Everybody in 2009 and it combines personal classifieds and the local form of guerilla advertising seen in party posters.

I'm really quite proud of this development and of Rodell [BOOM boy!].

Here are a few shots of the show with some of the signs and do visit the Boy's blog for more and to locate a downloadable copy of RISK the zine.

Keep good!

Echoes

2012-01-03T18:38:00.001-04:00

"Late, by myself, in the boat of myself,
no light and no land anywhere,
cloudcover thick. I try to stay
just above the surface,
yet I’m already under
and living with the ocean."
-Rumi

Spent some time with myself and the sea. It was brief time that brought renewal - the constant ebb and flow - everything changes, everything ageless but different.

I have a kind of awed fear of the sea. Little is more beautiful. Little is more terrifying. I had the stretch of beach to myself for some time and enjoyed the unbroken sound of endlessness - in and out - deep breaths ad infinitum.

Sometimes things I do are not separate from me - no thing I do, no thing I am.

There was a drizzle - and a rainbow. I'm thankful for senses - for the felt, the seen, the heard, the tasted. It is a beautiful world.

Keep good and back down from nothing this new year. Take it by storm.

That Go Work

2011-12-29T20:33:00.001-04:00

Some days are good days.

A few delays in a planned outing with two long time friends led to feeding pigeons which led to me noticing that couple of them had what looked like thread tangled around their feet. It meant they hobbled, not walked. Sometimes toppling over. One had swollen feet where the thread was tightly wound.

One got close, I caught it. Realised that it wasn't an accidental tangling but that its feet were bound together intentionally - you could see the knots. (I can't understand the ignorance and wickedness involved in intentionally tying any creatures limbs together.)

I got what I considered an utterly useless rusty box cutter from a construction crew and with P. holding the pigeon I tried to cut away the twine. But see, I was too afraid of using too much pressure, cutting too hard. But that's where "Mama" came in. She was passing by with her two granddaughters, who called her Mama, and I asked if she had anything sharp I could borrow. She came over and sat down with us, assessed the problem, looked at the rusty and dull box cutter and said "Nah. That go work."

She, with the apparent finesse and understanding of wisdom, patiently cut the pigeon free. She cooed and comforted - nothing weak about her - just everything of practised assured firmness. An accustomed unbinder of trapped limbs.

I feel fortunate to have met her - unharried, open, non judging. Maybe it was just something to do as far as she was concerned but I'm happy she stopped and I want to learn something from meeting her - Relax. Be resourceful - "that go work."

Keep good,

Keep Good!

2011-12-24T20:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not big on Christmas celebrations as frankly under all the giving and good cheer is too much sadness. It's a desperate time for many - emphasizing the lack some people may face every day. It amplifies the loneliness for some, the literal hunger and material lack for others.

I'd like to enjoy it as a time when my nephews are home from school, some of my loved ones on vacation and there's more time to spend together.

Everyone of you, where ever you are and in whatever position the frenzy of the season finds you in, stay lovely and keep good!

Playing with a new print. More on these later.

Maker + Mender

2011-12-16T13:40:00.001-04:00

"Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground." - Rumi

Love + Loss III and IV

2011-11-29T12:22:00.001-04:00

I vacillate constantly between states. I'm trying to find an axis to which I can anchor. I feel my mind clouded by beliefs, ideals and meaningless knowledge - everything conflicting and I am awake - I know nothing.

Keep good,

Great Owl and Experiments

2011-10-29T18:10:00.000-04:00

It's good to remember. Even to remember things that haven't happened but were promised to. I try to imagine it and I can't - the variables are and have been ever changing. I can't know but I can remember and imagine.

Since then I can't say the notion ever became even seriously considered again.The topic hasn't been broached. It could have not even happened, because it didn't really.

Speaking it or writing it is difficult. Not that I am overwrought; just that I have no word and I'd like to not be banal or even clinical. But I'd also not like to be cheesy. Fact is I often wonder, in a daydream, not in a real preoccupied sense, what we would have been doing or who we would have been had if we had a year old child right now. Even typing it is odd :]

We're practically babies ourselves.

But for a moment it was reality- it was terrifying - it was madly exciting - exhilarating even. It was real and we open our souls to the experience.

I think that's why, now, I can't seem to figure out what to say that isn't uncomfortable. I have no point of reference. I remember a date as given by a doctor with a smile. I remember my excitement. I remember his excitement. I suppose it's like remembering a birthday of some long distant friend. Can't forget it but can't celebrate it either.

I'm disconnected from that experience, it seems, not because I was so traumatised. It brought sadness, disappointment and some anger but I think I still don't understand what happened and how life altering it could have been.

It' incredible what life is - how much like and experiment - change one variable and the outcomes is different. Thing is, even if we knew each variable, we still couldn't predict an outcome. It's not science - there are no absolutes. No definites. No laws that can' t be defied - everything is fluid. Mobile. Mutating.

I have no judgements - or at least I try not to - of the past - no regrets. I could say "I wonder" but not "I wish" - Here, now, is a good place.

I like owls. I like the mastery of darkness. I like the wide open eyes. I like their caution. For me they're a good representation of the cautious and the free. At times I feel that way.

Great Owl is a 50x50 fabric collage, a commission for a lovely person. :]

Picture by Aidan Sininan, my nephew. :]

Showing in New York and Questions of Value

2011-10-24T13:01:00.003-04:00

Ey!

As a part of the CariBBeing Festival, my work will be on exhibit at MoCADA and La Maison d'Art in Booklyn, New York from Oct 28 - Nov 18 2011.

A couple weeks ago I was featured in the business magazine of one of Trinidad's daily newspapers.

I'd like to thank Camille Bethel for the opportunity.

What's stuck with me most is the discomfort of being essentially defined. I'm having trouble with the imagined pressures coming with the label of success. I'm not sure I even understand what success is and whether I have attained it.

I've decided to ignore all that and focus on work. At the end of it, I'd like my work to speak volumes, to comfort, inspire and embolden.

I often struggle with the idea of value in my work. I have what seems like a uniquely West Indian belief that for work to be valuable it needs to be large in scale and specifically involve the post colonial struggle, poverty and portrayals of such or politics. I find fitting in hard. I always have, even as a child, not processed my world like everyone else would have me believe they did. What makes it hard now is that that disconnectedness, if that is what it is, is tied up with my worth as an artist. I find it difficult to be engrossed by the "heavier" or more contemporary choices of subject matter. In public discussion it was said that I make "precious little things". Not quite a good thing here. But why not? Is there no value in precious little things?

I feel like I'm in a little bit of a fog with my headspace right now but I can see my way out. I'm a mixture of excitement and nostalgia [Mr. Warner, walk good and win boy and do quick and come home fast. :)], trepidation, uncertainty and overflowing with warmth. What to do with it all?

Keep good,

Adorata and Esperanto

2011-10-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

"She has to survey everything she is and everything she does because how she appears to others, and ultimately how she appears to men, is of crucial importance for what is normally thought of as the success of her life. Her own sense of being in herself is supplanted by a sense of being appreciated as herself by another."

- John Berger, Ways of Seeing

To Adorata and Esperanto

CC: Everybody at Erotic Art Week 2011

2011-10-05T14:36:00.001-04:00

CC: Everybody is a project that Rodell Warner and I conceptualised last year. We we fascinated by the content of some personal classified ads and the way sexuality was essentially bought and sold in print. We decided on presenting these public yet covert bits of solicitations in the most public context we could find; guerilla advertising usually used to advertise parties and fetes.

This year, the aesthetic has changed a bit but we're very pleased with the new presentation.
I'm going to borrow Rodell's words now since he's stated it so well already:

"Cc: Everybody is a project by Brianna McCarthy and myself in which tiny black & white classified ads from the local daily newspapers are reproduced, word for word, on huge, colourful, hand-painted 'party signs' (a traditional style of guerilla advertising used here to blast event details to everyone passing in the street ["Cc-ing" everybody]).

The intention is to play with the varying levels of intended 'publicness' of the classifieds to try and open up discussion about their changing appearance, and to document the change. Are we cool with this being public info? If yes, is it okay to blast these messages louder than their original size, or can we only say it so loud? A decade ago, ads like these didn't exist, so there's actually a lot of information in them about how we're communicating with each other right now.

The title of each piece is the date it was published and the newspaper it was published in. These two are "Trindad Guardian, 20 April, 2011" (Text…) and "Daily Express Classifieds, 20 APR, 2011" (Gaza…).

++

A note on the change in process/aesthetic in making last year's signs compared to these new ones:

Last year's signs, if you're familiar with the incredibly skilfully painted street signs popularised by Bruce Cayone, possibly seemed a little inauthentic. Maybe they fell into the uncanny valley because, try as we did, given our level of experience making signs, they were no Cayones. This year we realised that instead of speaking a less-than-fluent version of that language, we would embrace our own own dialect/tools/skills and produce what would still be recognised by any trini as a party sign, but maybe just another/newer kind. This version does away with horizontal color banding in favour of vertical, textured washes and introduces the use of ornament in the form of lino prints, metallic inks and gold dust in addition to the traditional emulsion. The lettering is also much improved. We are extremely pleased with the movement."

A minute of your time

2011-09-22T22:09:00.001-04:00

ARTZPUB MINUTE: EPISODE 3 BRIANNA McCARTHY from artzpubfilms on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/29285113

Artzpub/Minute with Brianna McCarthy

Patterns in Darkness

2011-09-17T16:14:00.000-04:00

Black outs make me hysterical. And paranoid.

I'm not afraid of darkness; I'm afraid that I can no longer see. I crave a source of light and therefore, in a literal sense, sight.

What always surprises me, since hindsight is golden, about my response to darkness is its extremity; I could swear I was totally alone in the world. It seems like it never matters how well I know a space and that reason would tell me that nothing was physically any different compared to when I could see, I would still find myself immobilised and fearing the worst; some evil would befall my loved ones and here I was; alone and helpless.

I mean, there's a very visceral reaction I have to blackouts - I feel a need to be armed, hackles raised and still. What I'm waiting on in these moments never comes. Underneath all the weariness is fear, not of the imaginary but of the very real fact that I feel like night blindness makes me helpless, and I hate it.

I thrive in light. I love the night provided I can turn the lights on. I love watching the recent rainy season lightening shows over the North coast, near Venezuela, I love trying to capture them on video and in photos. I love that time of day when the sun and moon share the same sky.

My attemtpts to relax in sudden darkness are met with resistance. The panic is something I literally have to swallow. I resist the urge to get in touch with someone, be close to someone , to convince myself that I am not alone or going to end up alone. The lights just went out. And it's ok.

Last week, thanks to a Boy, his battery pack and a lamp, I painted a bit during a blackout- mainly to calm myself. That night inspired this. Also my first time making and using lino printing.

Keep good and shine!

Studio Sale

2011-09-14T17:54:00.004-04:00

Ey!

I'm having a studio sale (my first) on September 23rd 2011. It falls right into the Trinidad and Tobago Erotic Art Week so that gave me the opportunity to have some fun with the invite. :]

Feel free to share them both and if you're in Trinidad, I hope to see you there!

Also, if you've been looking at a particular piece, there's this album here that's just to give a preview of what is and will be available. This is particularly for people outside of Trinidad.

Much love and keep good!

Do You, Be You

2011-09-02T17:52:00.001-04:00

It is with an uneasy and suspicious spirit that I'm looking for some hope, some universal power, the impetus that will soothe my fears when the time to push, to move, to fight comes.

Maybe it's the frustration of feeling locked in, maybe it's the frustration of knowing that there's working girls all over (among others) who can't make a living these days since they no longer own their nights, maybe it's the frustration of knowing that 3 months of States of Emergency and curfews will not stop crime. Whatever it is, I'm anxious. I'm awake though. And that's always good.

It have more to say on this. Soon come.

I've been going through the lovely notes from those of you who sent envelopes for 'zines. What powerful encouragement! To Michaela (in particular -- remember; Do you, Be you. And it's quite alright :]) and everyone else who, like me, needs a little kick, a little reminder being yourself is paramount in living your best life. Not always easy, but necessary.

This lady is for you.

I have 4 songs on replay. The one that stands out most right now is FreeTown Collective's "Love in Transition". I can't shake the mood and this song just amplifies it. When the funk lifts I feel my insides groaning in time to 3 canal's "I Am (The Re-Evolution)".

Keep good (Trinidad) and stay lovely!

Playing Dolly House

2011-08-23T17:25:00.009-04:00

I really, really loved playing dolly house.

I'm not a typical doll lover - I don't collect them but some of my favourite childhood memories have to be of making doll's clothes. I used to get scrap cloth from the neighbourhood seamstress, inspiration and practical knowledge from my sisters and free reign from my imagination.

It was where my hands learnt what they were good at - I cut the tips off my index fingers a few times making arm and button holes. I still enjoy hand sewing.

It was easy to get lost in that place where every colour matched with every pattern and there were no rules.

It changed as I grew. Almost as if in growing I really lost the eyes with which I could see and understand the importance of play and that life really was about finding a rhythm in the cacophony.

I'm exploring now - . I'm adding a little goodness, a little beauty at a time. Finding my rhythm, embracing necessary change and keeping my vision true. Each time we change, we attract people who respond to that change, that difference. To, not who we were, but to who we are and promising to become.

This is a peek at a series I'm working on - handsewn fabric dolls. I'm finding importance in these faceless beauties - I can see her expression clearly; I hope she talks to you too.

Keep good till soon!

July Sketchbook

2011-07-28T20:35:00.002-04:00

Perception Changer

2011-07-20T17:20:00.008-04:00

'Ello!

Been a week of firsts.

This is Erzulie, my part of a mural on the CGA's wall in Laventille, Trinidad. It's a collaborative work between Wendell McShine, myself, and some art students from Success Laventille Composite.

Laventille, a "depressed area" is well known as a crime and gang hotspot in Trinidad; bogged down by stereotypes and social stigma but is also one of the most culturally active spaces I've encountered.

I'm hoping Erzulie adds even more love to it all.

More to come on this!

Joanna Crichlow and myself (red shoes)

Mariel Brown and Chris Cozier

Painter Irenee Shaw

Artist Talk

Photos by Rodell Warner

And I had my first public "artist talk" at Alice Yard with Joanna Crichlow, a visiting Barbadian artist. (That's me in the red shoes)

When I just started showing work online, the focus became my inclusion of natural Black hair - partly because I was a recent natural navigating my own difficulties and issues with the choice and the reaction to that and partly because I wanted to illustrate women who looked like me, like you perhaps, just as lovely but without the hommage to the perceived "better-ness" of processed hair. What I have noticed is that now my ladies sometimes don't even have hair. My focus had changed as I move into a new part of myself and my experience.

I'm deconstructing me. Learning my layers. Mapping my self in contour and shape, pattern and colour - these have become the important things. I've dealt with what I look like; let's deal with what I am.

I've wanted to change perceptions, alter the norms of beauty, create spaces of self-acceptance - I think it might be my purpose.

All In The Details

2011-07-06T18:59:00.011-04:00

It's a zine. Filled with little details.

Because I do love details.

5.5x5.5 inches

black and white copy on bond paper.

If you like, send me an email [brianna.mccarthy@gmail.com] for my mailing address and I can send one to you. You'll need to send me a self-addressed stamped envelope big enough to fit the zine [5.5 inches]. You could leave a comment too and I'll get back to you :)

There's no cost for the actual zine - just postage on your self addressed stamped envelope.

MAILING ADDRESS:

Brianna McCarthy

P.O. box 1501

92 A Wrightson Rd.

Port of Spain,

Trinidad

Also, Trinidad and Tobago Erotic Art Week 2011 is coming up. I made this logo for this year's theme. Check them out!

Walk Good,

Look In & Jump Out

2011-06-27T19:58:00.002-04:00

“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”

- James Arthur Baldwin

I'm fascinated by the dynamics of masking and unmasking, to be literal; the faces we wear and why and when and how we wear them. I have several I think, as do many of us. Sometimes we all want to be unrecognizable, a deliberate riddle or barely concealed as if wearing wax.

I'd been feeling a little constricted recently by my own ideas of meaning and relevance. I had forgotten the advice I read in a Marie Claire magazine (I think) when I was probably 15, "Do what you love and the rest comes." I focussed externally, on what I thought I was being perceived as and not on finding my voice. That's not usual for me and I was, for a while, pretty annoyed with myself.

I received an email today from someone who has not only encouraged me before but who made me realise why I want to do this. I have to do, the rest is there, coming.

I'm looking in and jumping out.

Been listening to 3 Canal's Over Me all day.

I'm Not So Nice Really

2011-06-10T19:23:00.006-04:00

“Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something To Say

2011-06-06T22:31:00.001-04:00

Artist Talk_Brianna McCarthy from ARC magazine on Vimeo.

I'm at a point, I think, of starting over. I see it as the place where I decide what's next...not as a piece added on to what is already there; I prefer not to think of it like that, but as an action, a process, a sequence that allows me to shed, molt, to throw off the old and wrangle with the unknown that's always floating around me.

I'm not at all sure of anything...I do know that in many ways, life is limitless...but that's about all I know. I'm holding on to that for now; what else is there?

I find wonder in the little things; there's a light breeze and I'm watching the poui seeds ride it on their little wings it out of their pods. They look like tiny white butterflies from here, en masse, taking to the sky. I'm going to smile all day.

This is a recent video interview with ARC Magazine where we talked about Big Fish. Watching myself is awkward...:] Check it out!

Big Fish was also featured at Fly - much love Andrea.

Extra love to Rodell on being awarded a Commonwealth Connections International Arts Residency. Boom! :]

Walk good,

GOODNESS and the Chocolate Lady

2011-05-22T20:18:00.004-04:00

I have a friend who says this piece reminds her of her mother, "the chocolate lady". I like that name for her, she seems to be smiling. It's good.

Many thanks to Dee. O at That GOOD GOOD blog for the Good Life feature. The feedback has been lovely; thanks also to those who've contact me with positive vibes. Much appreciated!

Walk good!

Jumbied Play

2011-05-13T13:54:00.001-04:00

"Although I know it's unfair I reveal myself one mask at a time." - Stephen Dunn

Walk Good,

On Being a Mermaid or a Big Fish

2011-05-01T18:42:00.009-04:00

“I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.” - Anais Nin

Ey,

A few updates and some love to you!

Exhibited Big Fish as she was at Alice Yard for ARC Magazine's Trinidad Launch...and I found that I loved her quite a bit. A bit more to be done and the tag attached and she'll be off to her new home.

Working on the installation at Alice Yard.

ARC Magazine's second issue launch was held in Trinidad last week. Needless to say, it was an honour to be this issue's featured artist and to have met and interacted with the most lovely people. Made some new friends - felt such love - always wonderful things.

photos by Kibwe Brathwaite

The magazine is available locally, regionally and in the US and can be bought online here.

Rodell, took some lovely photos and made these .gif paintings. His Worker photos were published in ARC and his .gif installation appeared at the launch.

As usual, his support is key as the beauty of the cover image and practically all the images of my work which appeared in ARC were shot by him. He also took these in having fun and trying to find an image to use for the magazine's website:

I'm also enjoying these Hipstamatic pics shot by Nadia Huggins :] I really do love them:

Image overload! My apologies :]

What I want is to keep focused, grounded and working. Learning things everyday.

Keep good and walk good,

love,

This Thing Is Untitled

2011-04-21T20:08:00.004-04:00

She's all limbs, skin and glow. I saw her the way one would see a person illuminated...sitting, scratching her legs. Meet Magella.

Also, it's officially out! ARC Issue II is here and I'm super excited. My first print feature!

Check ARC's site for a summary and bios of the artists featured in this issue and for snapshots of their work.

This is the cover featuring my Clifford and Woodford collage and a peek into the magazine is available here:

Sometimes I'm not sure what I'm doing with myself, but it'll work out!

Keep good and love!

Bridges, ARCs and Colour

2011-04-13T15:23:00.004-04:00

'Ello!

There's a lovely little feature by Patricia Grannum over at Woman of Colour. It's been almost two years since she first interviewed me for her blog. That's insane - I don't feel like I've been existing for two years yet! It's incredible how life changes and how much I change with it. What to do with all this?

Also, on April 27th 2011, ARC Magazine will be hosting its Trinidad launch and the . I'm particularly excited about this for a few reasons. One is the invitation...the other is the magazine itself.

Image by Tracy Assing

I haven't figured out what to do with this happening, how to process the information - these things make me anxious -but I think a fair way to handle it is to embrace it as much as possible. Enjoy it...

Ok, back to figuring things out. :]

You keep good,

Editha Luisa and Being Still...

2011-04-03T10:58:00.004-04:00

Everything nice. Plenty love. So much to share. :]

Keep good.

Clay and Cloth

2011-04-01T10:28:00.004-04:00

'ello!

I'm trying something. Not sure when it'll be fully formed and done but I'm loving the newness and the fact that I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

Fortressed and Big Fish.

Keep Good!

20 March

2011-03-20T18:15:00.003-04:00

Play. Not Art.

2011-03-15T11:26:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, I play. It's good for my soul.

Someone said "1960's!!". I wasn't there but from what my mother looked like then...it seemed like a good time! I can't hide my old soul. She escapes. I belong elsewhere.

Cut off the tresses. I like this length.

Keep good!

Inside things

2011-03-11T16:58:00.001-04:00

A box.

Today, by myself

2011-02-27T19:52:00.001-04:00

"Late, by myself, in the boat of myself,
no light and no land anywhere,
cloudcover thick. I try to stay
just above the surface,
yet I’m already under
and living with the ocean."
-Rumi

I’m not sure whether the place to be is in that ocean, living, or surfaced. Maybe the process of surfacing is the essential moment…that place where it all makes sense. I’m pushing from a deep place…kicking to break through.

I sketched these four ladies this afternoon.
I felt like I was putting myself out of myself…not quite self portraits (I don't really look exactly as any of them do), as much of what I do isn’t quite that but is in the basic sense, but more like the places in which I found my mood and my mind. According to these faces, I had a good day.

I’m back online with blogging. Many thanks for the good vibes and lovely messages – sending the goodness back at you all. Always appreciated!

Little things are bringing joy; sleep overs, late night talking, early morning food runs, a haircut, being bought the perfect t-shirt and the most lovely paper (For now. They rel nice tho). Started a Tumblr…nothing fancy, just a space to appreciate all the Tumblr love that comes my way.

I made these bracelets; I bought many, many more beads than I needed for the bracelets I wanted to make myself (I’m an arm candy/bangle fanatic) so I made some more. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them yet – vibes a few of them!

Also, The Cloth “Things You Might Appreciate” Shop at Alice Yard is back. Come down and check it out.

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing
There is a field. I'll meet you there." -Rumi

Keep good and good mornin'

Pieces of Paper

2011-02-18T19:52:00.005-04:00

"Open your life wide, and take me in forever. I will never be tired - I will never be noisy when you want to be still...nobody else will see me, but you - but that is enough - I shall not want anymore." - Emily Dickinson

Fighting My Reflection and Lightbearers

2011-02-14T20:16:00.003-04:00

Meet Greta, Fern and Julia.

Rahmi and the Blue Flowers

2011-02-06T23:21:00.006-04:00

For self is a sea boundless and measureless.

Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."

Say not, "I have found the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have the soul walking upon my path."

For the soul walks upon all paths.

The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals. - Khalil Gibran

Keep good and much love,

A Little Sketch

2011-02-02T16:50:00.009-04:00

Still taking a break :] But I did a sketch last night and I'm very connected to her expression - here's to zen moments, acceptance and courage.

Much love and keep good,

Nothing really to say.

2011-01-21T13:27:00.002-04:00

I've decided to take a walk away from things. I feel a little lost - or at a loss. Sometimes, I have to step away. This isn't something I'm good at handling. I usually tackle things, battle them...stepping away to me always seems like a failure. Things feel like they're crashing. I have always been a touch too sensitive. This is just an effort to attempt to change my life as it was to a new thing I haven't accepted as yet.

Take care and send me some good vibes from where ever you are.

Dark Dreamscapes and Belles Noire

2011-01-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

Hope you're all well.

Keep good,

Dasheen!

2011-01-13T13:05:00.005-04:00

I'm really feeling this feature at Dasheen Magazine - I made their WowBlog list. I'm quite pleased :)

Again, Tynisha, I'm still speechless and thank you!

Wow Blog! Brianna McCarthy’s Passion.Fruit

I had to go slowly with Brianna McCarthy and not for the reasons she may think.
I’ve had my eye on her. She’s been gracing my work desktop on and off for the better part of 2010. In fact, she is a very pregnant part of my vision board. If there wasn’t a mirror nearby, then I could look at Brianna McCarthy’s work, tiled as if she just knew the colors that would inspire me to life, love and laughter and we just became fast friends.

She saw me first, and its one of those moments where you’re thinking ok, I have this magazine and you want people to say what they think and sometimes they do, but most times they don’t and then out of the blue you get a simple “I dig your site.”

No preamble, no awkwardness, no long goodbye. Just a dig—and a good one. And it’s not a friend, it’s someone who doesn’t have to be sweet to you or on you haha. So, of course you check out this person’s site, and then you see your desktop background that you first saw and saved from LeCoil and you have your OMG moment and then you wait a week to respond, because you’re already crushing the artist too much to breathe.
So yeah, for as long as Brianna McCarthy’s been digging me, I’ve been digging her and then some and I wanted more. I needed to finesse my approach. You just have to understand this is the one you want to invite inside your living space and co-habitate. And yes of course hang her art on your wall—mantle-worthy as it is.

The following is my open door. Allow me to introduce to some and present to others as we say in church Brianna McCarthy, artist extraordinaire, passion.fruit lover and my not so private girl crush out of Trinidad and Tobago.

You see how inviting. And would I switch sides to some passion fruit for her, YES! Haha. Thank God for the wide world of new media and her medium. God certainly has blessed the child and I hope she never EVER stops!

Bits of Things

2011-01-10T14:46:00.004-04:00

I really enjoy small objects, eyes and an interesting face. I got all three here.

Keep good,

Misha and Yemoje - The Tattooed Women

2011-01-05T14:51:00.004-04:00

I'm reading The Tattooed Woman by Marian Engel. It's a collection of short fiction. The first story, which the book is named after, deals with a woman who starts cutting lovely patterns into her body and face after her husband reveals he's "in love with" someone else. Yes, it's morbid. But she does it, not to hurt herself but to transform herself. When she's sent, by the husband who sees the scars, to a sympathetic doctor and long time friend, he recommends a vacation; "You should go somewhere hot. It will make a very striking tan."

For whatever reason, I took alot from that final sentence. I started these pieces before I read the story - they're apt though as I found out. It's a sentiment that was timely - it applies to last year for me. Whatever comes this new year, I'm going to take the troubles, the damage that maybe done and make it something striking.

Strike a pose people! It's all good.

Peace, Love and Happy New Year,

Things To Be Done With What Is

2010-12-28T15:04:00.008-04:00

What I'm interested in at this point is not what things should be or ought to be but what they are and what can be done with them.

I'm thankful, as I aim to be at all times, for things that are.

This is Lila...she's a lady born out of things that are - not the expectation, not the assumption, not even the hope. Just what is.

I trust that you are all wonderful and Hello! to new followers. Wonderful to have you!

Things You Might Appreciate

2010-12-22T16:10:00.004-04:00

Allo,

At Alice Yard there's a sale going on curated by The Cloth and featuring locally made jewelry, clothing, bags and art by designers like Lupe Leonard, Robert Young (the Cloth), Olivia Fern, Chizl Menswear and myself. It runs until Christmas Eve. This is a late announcement, but it'll be worth it to stop by.

On that note, I met, or was reacquainted with Alixzandar Morle, an industrial designer and he took this photo. I really dig the colours. These are some of the collages, like Sula the Paper Queen, on sale at Alice Yard.

A Woman's Worth and Coming Out

2010-12-17T13:03:00.008-04:00

Last night was Softbox's Open House. Had a good time all night even though I didn't stay around too long. This was important for me since it's the first formal showing I've had in Trinidad. I'm thrilled with the response I've gotten and would like to thank a few people who'll remain nameless but have always been my greatest supports in spite of all things. And for that I'm thankful.

Here are a few shots of the evening. I was quite nervous; the public aspect of this is still quite unknown to me.

Early this morning I discovered this feature and I was deeply honoured. I don't really have the words but I can say thank you! It's always important to me when people take valuable things from my work...this is an awesome example and it's an awesome example of the best I could inspire. Check out Art Star Blog and the great piece written by 8track Honey.

People, I love this!

Brianna McCarthy, based in Trinidad & Tobago creates art that exemplifies the beauty of diversity. Fueled by the people of the island in which she dwells she uses watercolors, graphite and paper to tell a story which at face value may convey an exaltation of outer beauty, but when examined deeper divulges the uniqueness of inner beauty. Imperfectly shaped eyes speak more for her characters than their words ever could, they evoke a sense of pride and confidence that every woman should have within herself and when interacting with other women. My favorite works are her collections of busts, despite their skin color and hair texture they tell a story that can relate to every woman; bound by a simple white backdrop, each figure declares their true worth, undetermined by fabricated images and the opinions of men.

Keep good, be lovely and live!

Too Much Sometimes

2010-12-11T22:27:00.005-04:00

Memory is a complicated thing, a relative to truth but not its twin. --Animal Dreams, Barbara Kingsolver

This is for girls who don't understand.
Who, like me, have found their "love" thrown back at them like so many pebbles - each driving the ache deeper. For those, like me, who find that only annoyance awaits where adoration once was. Really? Who's voice is that? Really just for me, who can't exactly call him a liar but can safely say nothing was real. For me who has to get past the cold, awkward kisses of post lovers at midday and accept what is. This is done.

What can I say to myself late at night when improbability keeps me hopeful and emptiness eats me up? Why, now, does it feel so incomprehensible to long for the person who once was fond of every inch of my body?

Pieces of things slip through my fingers like sand – I can’t tell one fragment from another. I couldn’t be bothered to try to contain them all anymore – the thing has lost its shape and all cohesiveness. There’s nothing between us and I guess that’s ok.
It is without malice that I can say that I wish I never met you.

Also, if you’re in Trinidad, come check out Softbox Studios’ Christmas Exhibition and Open House. I’m honoured to be in there with Che Lovelace, Gavin Pierre, Jackie Hinkson and a few others .
Thursday 16th December 2010
6:30 – 9:00pm
Soft Box Studios Gallery
9 Alcazar St. St. Clair

Staying lovely and trying to keep my heart clean,

Keep good,

Passion.Fruit and Love Letters

2010-12-07T22:37:00.005-04:00

'ello.

The photo for my new header was taken in St. Ann's last week. It's of a passion fruit vine in blossom. I can seldom think of a lovelier flower. I love it. Hope you enjoy it too.

I made something to put in my locket. I decided, partly because I found it necessary and partly because I thought it made alot more sense that putting anyone's image in there, to write myself a love letter. I took good vibes and thoughts from all over, including some of your emails and comments, wrote them down and tucked them in there. Here are a couple shots.

Do keep good and much love!

A Dream and A Locket

2010-12-02T02:00:00.000-04:00

I wouldn't usually have two new posts one day apart but it's early morning and I'm awake. I also don't tend to blog about what happens off the internet and outside of illustrating. I've been having strange dreams for sometime but this time, I needed a break. Not necessarily from the dreams; I don't often have bad dreams, but from the thoughts that perhaps wait until I'm at rest to arrest me.

I have this locket I've bought myself and a realisation that there's no one I want to put in my figurative heart. I'm the sentimental type...as if being an artist didn't already convey that. That's a little disappointing but it's also a good thing since when I do decide on putting some lucky person in there, they would have been worth that.

I have my cat sitting in my lap; early morning company at its very best. No words, no judgments, no expectations - except a little attention and enough love for me.

My latest fascination is dance. Just like the sketch above, I'll let you know how that progresses, if it does at all. I'm also a believer in hot yoga. It's fantastic. That's progressing.

I feel I going back to sleep.

Keep Good,

Sula is a Paper Queen

2010-11-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

Ey!

I hope this meets you well. Hello and thanks to all the new followers. It's lovely to have you.

Sometimes I Think I Know

2010-11-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

What's in my head will have to stay there for now. I had much to say coming into these three and coming out, there isn't much left that I can put in words. I have the sketches for this titled Armour. I feel a lot less need to be guarded tonight as I did when I began these. I feel a bit hollow actually. I’m waiting for the beauty of eyes and smiles in sunlight and lovers at twilight to fade away as it always does. It must be worth something to feel.

Below is my companion Blue Cat. He's most skilled at getting in my space and my face – literally. He's obviously not the most pleasant creature. :)

Look up and keep good,

As a brother and friend told me recently, peace, love and passion fruit!

Black Girl Elements

2010-11-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

How are you all?

Keep Good,

Cannes Brulles et La Belle Qui Fut

2010-10-24T20:15:00.000-04:00

There are alot of assumptions made about Trinidad, about Laventille, Curepe, Arima or just about anywhere else here. As with anthing, an assumption is easy to make based on how a thing is portrayed. I spent some time on Thursday night in Picton Village, Laventille, watching a dance troupe rehearse. These people are lovely. What really struck me was their innate cultural intelligence and pride. This coming out of one of the poorer and most stigmatised communites in Trinidad. But there's also very strong community spirit and raw creativity. I watched 5 drummers, 2 no older than 12, invoke the spirit of Canboulay [literally from the term Cannes Brulles or burnt cane].

One of the dancers caught my eye in a big way. She was so lovely and had her locks coiled and looped in this fantastic coiffure. Her skin was flawless, her eyes powerful and her every movement oozing life. Lovely. I had to get her picture. She inspired this drawing - M. Danser.

All I can say is Trinidad sweet.

Take Bois!

Be good,

My Face, Sunday.

2010-10-19T15:10:00.000-04:00

I happen to like this picture alot. I've been feeling quite vulnerable at points recently - unusually open. I like this picture because I think it's gotten me in my essence - natural, laughing, open and sure. I'm happy here. Here's to many more of these.

I have grown so used to that scar on my face that I rarely remember it's there. I also like my mishapen fingers on my right hand. Those are definitely noticeable :) But my right hand makes things so I'm even more appreciative.

Also I wanted to say a big thank you to Ms. McNeil at SingleBubblePop, Fiona at LoveYourTresses, Trini Fashionista and Naturally Beautiful Hair for the recent and much appreciated features! Check them out...wonderful sites.

Familiar Roses and Things for not Forgetting

2010-10-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

Some things are hard to let go of – especially when they’ve taken root and flourished. I have both weeds and roses, both of which, under the right circumstances, have thrived.
I’ll keep the roses for their beauty – tend them so they don’t die – admire them and find some sweet nostalgia in them.
The weeds, I’ve started a battle against. They’re unkind to beauty, hard on the soil of memories and frankly, not what I’d like to see growing in me.
I’m keeping my roses. They’ve been hard fought. Weeds will always come and go but my roses are most precious. I’m trying to love them for the fact that they are rather than considering the when, where and who of how they came to be.

I’m a great one for too much thinking. I walk the line between pondering and ruminating constantly and rarely do I stay on the side of the former. 2010 hasn’t been the best of years for some things. Three quarters of the way through and I’m a little concerned for what’s to come. I speak peace though. It’s what my family, heart and soul need.

In March this year, I miscarried and lost, literally, a bit of hope. October has come; it has me wondering what would have been by now and feeling that sweet ache that makes my eyes run. With those thoughts an age has ended. It’s time for new things. Hope has rarely eluded me.

I could choose to not think about many things but I’ve always been a dreamer. I dwell inside myself – I know where things are and how things work there. So I’m dreaming in retrospect for now. Until things become clearer on the outside, I’m staying in.

I began writing this late last night while listening to Moyenne’s live recording at the Cipriani Labour College. I sketched till early this morning. I wish you were here to soothe me.

Be good and keep on the lovely side of this life,

Also, for those of you who have never heard Chantel Esdelle’s voice or Moyenne perform, do yourselves a favour and make that happen.

Tea with Robert and Moving Right Along

2010-10-10T11:18:00.000-04:00

Ey.

Be powerful.

Chasing Great Squid

2010-10-01T22:57:00.000-04:00

"And I, without a doubt, second to none, the most persistent of lovers..."

It's one of those nights here. I'm chasing something I can't seem to conquer just yet. Probably never will. Regardless, I enjoy the sensations at times. Most times, I absolutely hate the challenge. This ink painting is possibly one of my favourite new things right now. I think she speaks volumes. She spoke to me most definitely.

I hope you're good. Be blessed and stay lovely.

Creatures for Keeping

2010-09-27T11:45:00.000-04:00

I made a few new collages recently.

These aren't for sale just yet though. :)

Also, Blue Sky Tie Dye has adopted my work as their new header. I dig it.

Hope you're well and stay lovely,

Lately

2010-09-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

Love is so short, forgetting is so long. - Pablo Neruda

I noticed that a few new people have come by -- good to have you.

Keep good and stay lovely,

Lise

2010-09-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

I've been a little quiet lately. Taking a brief haitus to figure some things out.
Hope you're all good.

Stay lovely,

Interview - Bright Young Things

2010-09-06T19:32:00.001-04:00

Click to enlarge

Draconian Switch 14 is out today. I'm in there, being interviewed by Rea McNamara. I'm quite pleased with it - thanks to Rea for the great interview.

This is also the Erotic Art Week issue so you can check out the highlights of the week by downloading the magazine here.

Keep Good,

Black Girl Pink

2010-08-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

A pen drawing on textured paper. It's a really warm Sunday here but the birds and butterflies are out so it's still quite beautiful.

A thing I just noticed --my ladies are sometimes a tad crosseyed...that's actually because I am myself. It's all good though.

Much love and blessings!

Kala and the Frog

2010-08-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in a little bit.

This is Kala.

I spent a few days on the south coast of Trinidad and witnessed something that probably happens quite often during the rainy season, but I found it amazing. This little creature and several others, including spiders and grasshoppers, washed up on the beach there on what looked like a clump of floating bush. People say it came from either Venezuela or Guyana. Either way, I thought it fantastic the way wildlife moves from place to place. This frog came to be in my hands after I found it on the sand in scorching midday sun. I dropped some fresh water on it and it hopped on my arm and spent a while hiding from the sun in my hands. I found a nice shady, moist spot near a stream for it later. I'm not at all fond of spiders so I left them well alone.

Keep good and blessings,

Interview - A Word For My Sistas

2010-07-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Kanisha Parks for the great interview! A Word for My Sistas is an online magazine created to inform, inspire, and uplift women of color.

Monday, July 26, 2010 - by Kanisha Parks

“I love the taste and texture of passion fruit. It’s tart and sweet, sticky and yet so fluid. Its colors are vibrant; from purples and roses, to yellows and greens. It makes my senses buzz and frankly, it makes me want more. More fruit, more passion, more life.”

Those were the words you’ll find on Passion Fruit, the blog of the beautiful and talented Brianna McCarthy. If you haven’t heard of her, I’m happy to introduce you to her phenomenal talents. McCarthy’s a very passionate artist who hails from Trinidad and Tobago. Her work showcases beautiful Black women in their natural beauty. She’s been featured on many different websites, and I was honored with the opportunity of speaking with her about her art, ambitions, and future endeavors!

A Word For My Sistas: You live in the Caribbean. How does that affect your art?

Brianna McCarthy: I’m from the Caribbean; a product of it. Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is diverse ethnically and culturally–that diversity has created a hybrid culture. I see that “mixedness” everywhere, including in my immediate family. That’s been a huge influence on my work. The women and girls I depict are made of elements pulled from those I see around me–products of the Caribbean.

A Word For My Sistas: If you were forced to go a year without drawing, what would you do?

Brianna McCarthy: I’d go mad! Seriously, I’d probably read instead. It’s the one other escape I have. I love books.

A Word For My Sistas: When and how did you begin creating art?

Brianna McCarthy: For as long as I could recall I’ve been attracted to making things and drawing etc. I come from a very resourceful and creative family. Coming from a low income background meant that I was use to the idea that it was possible to make most things which weren’t otherwise affordable. For example, having 3 older, fashionable sisters meant that we learned to make our own jewelry and clothing. I still have and wear a little black dress one of my sisters made over 7 years ago and another one of my sisters is a successful jewelry designer. I think that’s where it started for me, growing up around creative people and having that innate drive to create for myself. I used to sew all my doll’s clothes and I did that until I was about 15. I really only got serious about showing my work in a public (online) since about 3 years ago.

Read more

Keep good and blessings,

Projects - Cc: Everybody

2010-07-24T16:23:00.000-04:00

Sometime ago Rodell Warner and I took the secret excitement we got from reading personal ads and translated that into the most public form of advertisement we found in our immediate environment.

These are real ads. Really fascinating.

Cc: Everybody is installed at Studio (on the corner of Ariapita Avenue and Luis Street (pictured below) and at Brooklyn Bar (corner Roberts and Carlos streets, Woodbrook (images to follow)). Pieces are being offered for sale and will be on show for all of Erotic Art Week, 21-31 July, 2010.

--------
Cc: Everybody

Classified, Confidential - Everybody

Cc: Everybody explores the notion of privacy in the public domain. The project engages two common local media: the personals that appear in the national newspapers ; and a form of guerrilla street advertising developed locally to promote public parties. The publication of these, sometimes explicit, personal ads in the national domain may be considered surprising, given the context of a conservative, post-colonial island community. Cc: Everybody captures these private bits of black and white content and reproduces them, verbatim, in a most public and colourful medium. Cc:Everybody presents and interrelates this contemporary dichotomy as erotic art.

Enjoy and keep good,

Yellow Ochre and Lime

2010-07-08T21:51:00.000-04:00

Interviews and Updates - Blue Sky, Children's Lit and Ink

2010-06-30T09:29:00.001-04:00

I decided to make a post of words today.

It's an intense sensation when you realise that you work has taken on its own life and that what you put into it is no longer important. The importance lies in what someone else has found or taken from it.

I was linked to TheFeelofFree where there's a tattoo of my Mythos piece. I'm most honoured. It's a really unbelievable feeling to know that someone (Zara E.) was so inspired by something I made that they have it permanently inked...I'm blown away! So to Zara, thank you and I appreciate you contacting me personally as well!

I was recently featured on two Caribbean blogs - Blue Sky Tie Dye and Summer Edward's Caribbean Children's Literature- which is awesome. Check them out. They're quite excellent.

SUMMER EDWARD'S CARIBBEAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

If you read my last post, you know I'm a sucker for Caribbean illustrators and have made it my business to promote the work they do. It would be remiss of me if I didn't include Brianna McCarthy in that campaign. McCarthy is a young lady from Trinidad and Tobago whose talent can only be described as dazzling. In her genius-like mastery of a single subject matter, McCarthy reminds me of the great Impressionist painter Edward Degas, who obsessively depicted dancers (ballerinas) in his art. Only with McCarthy, it's girls. McCarthy repeatedly draws and paints girls. Beautiful, colored girls. In doing so she displays her mastery in the depiction of African, East Indian and creole physical features. Truly, in her art I see the working out of a Caribbean aesthetic which recognizes and affirms négritude (black consciousness), antillanité (West Indianness), and créolité (transcultural fusing.) Her art simply radiates color consciousness and métissage.

This is the first time McCarthy work is being featured on a children's literature blog. Indeed, when I contacted her to solicit an interview I could sense a sort of pleasant surprise in her response. I see great potential for children's illustration in McCarthy work and can easily compare her skill and style in watercolor to that of award-winning African-American children's illustrators, Sharda Strikland, E.B. Lewis and even Jerry Pinkney in some respects. There is such a need for illustrations like hers--unapologetic, eloquent images of beautiful, black people-- not only in the general universe of commercial images, but in children’s illustration in general and Caribbean children's illustration in particular.

I guess you can tell that there's just not enough good things I can say about her work :-)

Read on here...

BLUE SKY TIE DYE

This beauty discovered her artistic ability at a very young age. She joked that, “I come from a resourceful family; a low income background has a tendency to provoke that!”

Paper Places - Alice, Woodford and Clifford

2010-06-15T15:53:00.000-04:00

These are my Paper Queens from Paper Places.

It's a new thing I'm working on using materials I collect at different locations and my modest collection of scrapbooking stock. I do believe I love them.

Blessings and keep good,

Red, White and Yellow

2010-06-05T19:11:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit busy. Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago is happening now and I'm interning with The Cloth; it's a fascinating experience so far and I'm looking forward to more to come.

These three are Marli, Francis and Phaedra.

Be Blessed,

Sketches: Tantine Atie and Tusca

2010-05-27T13:18:00.000-04:00

I've been playing with what I like about breasts, shoulders, and faces. I've found that I like all kinds of things -- few things are more lovely than shoulders. I've also discovered that I love Atie and Tusca like daughters. It's a very strange thing.

I'm re-reading Breath Eyes Memory by Edwidge Danticat.

Senses

2010-05-03T13:33:00.001-04:00

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” - Khalil Gibran

I felt these two when I closed their eyes. I call them Nesta and Magda.They gave me the feeling that they could sense things others couldn't. I haven't painted anything colourful in a bit...it's my mood. I'm sure it'll pass; I can't create without colour for long.

I don't usually have much to say and I especially don't talk about the people who support me, so I think it's high time I say how great it is to get your emails and messages. That's constant inspiration. Speaking of which, the talented and fly Essence interviewed me for her blog You Inspire Me.

Keep good,

Interviews and Features - A Few Things

2010-04-26T11:32:00.000-04:00

A few features recently:

Diasporique.com:

I love these cheery, yet pensive watercolors from Trinidadian artist Brianna McCarthy. Browse her collection and be inspired.

Au Courant Daily - Who Wants Some Passion.Fruit?

Cane rows - or corn rows, if you prefer - never looked so elegant! Just love the ladylike, demure quality of Trinidadian artist Brianna McCarthy's brown-skinned Passion.Fruit illustrations. Makes me feel like finding some Bougainvilleas for my hair...

New Naturalista - Passion Fruit

Like her favorite fruit, artist Brianna McCarthy is vibrant – her illustrations awaken the senses, lively, sweet and colorful. Her motto: More fruit, more passion, more life.

Hope you dig. Be blessed,

Ghislaine Remedios

2010-04-19T15:10:00.000-04:00

I'm reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Forgive the post title. I might be heading into a few years of self imposed solitude myself.

Do stay lovely and be blessed.

Sketch: A Girl and her cat

2010-04-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

Blessings and stay lovely,

Nothing New

2010-03-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

Passed my 26th birthday quietly a couple weeks ago.
Something is with me today; What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

Keep good and blessings!

A Sketch Of Two Girls

2010-03-21T17:57:00.000-04:00

Reading: Say You're One Of Them by Uwen Akpan - Fantastically sensitive collection.
Listening to: Bjork's Heirloom

Be blessed and keep good,

Blossoming

2010-03-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

I think she's me. She's a clear indication of the emotions I felt, thoughts my mind birthed and the hope that rushed through my being. That's not to mention the fear, the panic and the eventual sadness.

We sat up at 3 am and I painted. Knowing something was wrong, helpless to stop it, ignoring what hurt. By 10am my doctor offered us his condolences; nothing could have changed the outcome -- exactly a week after I found out by chance, we'd lost our baby at 6 weeks.

I'm smiling a bit now though...hope's blossoming, I've made my peace, let go of being angry and decided that I have the best things in life; two amazingly supportive families, a being I shared this creation and everything else with, health, a small and awesome group of friends whose reactions taught me that I didn't need to feel so weird about something so natural and that we really had grown-up. (I couldn't call myself a girl anymore and I wrangled with why I felt a little odd when someone called me a woman. I talked to Drena S. and Tanya C. about this - our generation isn't "growing up" nearly as quickly as the one before.)

I find peace in knowing that the scary things are the ones that need to be embraced and confronted otherwise, we miss out on the best living has to offer. I have no regrets but the obvious -- just looking forward to life.
Hope you're good and stay beautiful,

Strangely Lovely

2010-03-01T09:14:00.000-04:00

This is Rebecca. I think she's lovely and odd. Odd beauty delights me.

I've had a momentous weekend.
I hope you're good too.

A Promise Is A Promise

2010-02-25T14:22:00.000-04:00

Aye.

Needless to say...I enjoyed Carnival. It was my first Carnival, if you can believe it, and I thinkI get why some say Carnival is their New Year celebration. It's rejuvenating and above all, therapeutic. The physical masks go on and the emotional masks come off. It think it's beautiful. Mas is beautiful.

Keep good,

Images in order (top left- bottom right): a Jam-it outside the NAPA, a burst of orange powder, Cobos rest on Nelson Street. Up top: possibly my favourite image, I love the texture.

Patterns

2010-02-20T19:16:00.000-04:00

I adore intricate patterns.
I promised pics from Carnival 2010; I'll post them later in the week.
Do say hi to Aditha and stay beautiful.
Keep good,

Fantastic Friday

2010-02-12T08:19:00.000-04:00

It's Binta

It's Carnival Friday in Trinidad and Tobago. I'll be back late next week; I'll try to recuperate from J'Ouvert in a timely manner.

Do have a happy and safe Carnival. Remember, in the words of Andre Tanker, "never trust a Carnival stranger", but if you must, if you do, wrap it up and protect yourself.

Stay beautiful and keep good,

Idee Fixee

2010-02-05T14:34:00.000-04:00

I call this structured boredom. I paid about 7TT for this little book and I adore it.

It's a little obsession of mine where I can't help but doodle on and all over my books. It used to annoy my mother (even though she's a doodler too), my father thought he could fix the problem by drawing on the brown paper that covered my books before I could. He'd draw anatomically correct, labelled (science teacher, he was) diagrams of ants and flowers on my science texts. It didn't work...I'd just draw everywhere else.

Doodling makes me happy.

Also, I see some new faces. Good that you're here and thanks for stopping by.

Listening to: Andre Tanker's D Big Beat (Ayana) and a little Nina Simone.

A Sketch in Tobago

2010-01-26T08:35:00.000-04:00

A long Friday in the immigration office in Scarborough, Tobago.
And, I'm on Le Coil - a super fly blog for naturals.

Hide Me

2010-01-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

There's an e-zine called Hidden You.
There's some pretty cool stuff in here; give it a look.
I'm in there too *smile*.

Keep Good,

Sunning and Shining

2010-01-13T09:12:00.000-04:00

Aye...
I'm back.
I've rested.
I'd like to rest some more.
I painted a little.
I took pictures.
I'm good and tired and smiling.

Feels like the last thing I remember, or just barely remember, was waking up at 11:30pm on New Year's Eve, getting dressed in an outfit I'm going to blame on waking up disillusioned and ringing in the new year with one sleepy nephew, one brother in law, one sister (for about 5 minutes) and RW. The rest has moved so quickly that's been a blur.

Hope things in your life are working together.
Keep good.

Keeping Haiti in prayer...Bon courage.
Trinis: there's a drop off point for foodstuff, blankets and clothing at the COP flagship office on the corner of Broome and Tragarete. 9am - 3pm. Please label your donations.

Newness

2009-12-31T10:11:00.000-04:00

These ladies are from a series I'd like to do (have done, am currently finishing) called Postcards. They're 4*6 watercolours. I did the first set of these in July.

A new year is beginning and I'm as excited as a person who likes stability can be; smiling anxiety. But it's good and I look forward to new experiences and journeys as I always do; having faith that it'll be alright though it surely isn't always alright.

I'm headed to Palo Seco for the weekend and will be ringing in the new year quietly, in rural Trinidad, on the beach, with the people I care about. I'm very excited. I'm a homebody, I have few close friends and I enjoy spending time with them and spending time with my family is important to me. I promised pictures last time and didn't deliver but I will this time!

A few things brought newness this year; new nephew, new job, new opportunities, new joys, new sorrows and a newness to the way I choose to love.

I'm digging this today; in remembrance of those (in many years past) I let go, those I chose to keep, the things I dragged out of unscathed, the things that left scars and the things that I can't yet forgive:

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Khalil Gibran

Keep good and happy new year,

Experiments in Acrylic

2009-12-27T16:36:00.000-04:00

I'm blogging from Belmont today.

Usually, I work in watercolour because I love its fluidity, graphite because of its starkness. My style is quite different in acrylic paint than it is in those media.

I dig it though and I'm pleased with these ladies. Meet Moremi, Anansa and Ella.

Season's Greetings and Keep good...

Listening to Ella Andall's Osun Bamise

Really?

2009-12-21T10:36:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Abena for this feature. Abena blogs at Girl, It's Not Just You which is a great blog.
Exams are over and I'll be posting what I've been working on recently later tonight.

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Emmerson

Be good.

Real Beauty

Name: Brianna McCarthy

Your girls (your art) are always so enchanting. It's interesting that they're also natural. How important do you think natural hair is to a black woman's identity?

Thank you! I think natural hair is about understanding, acceptance and self-love. That’s not to say that women who don’t have natural hair lack these things, it’s that so often we don’t appreciate our hair because it doesn’t ascribe to a particular ideal of beauty – we want to be like something else because we’ve been taught that what we have is not good enough and that needs to change. It’s not a simple matter of any woman of any race saying “I wish my feet were smaller”, it’s a pervasive mindset that we need to be different, less Black, more non-black – we struggle with our hair texture and skin colour and there is a whole plethora of stereotypes that go along with those things. All this to say, I love blackness, ethnicity, “mixedness” that’s celebrated, loved and appreciated. I hope that there’ll come a time when it won’t be necessary to even discuss this. It’s my hope that my ladies illustrate women who simply are – ethnic pride, ethnic understanding, acceptance of the diversity of humanity and strength.

Name an obstacle(s) that black women are presented with and how you think they can overcome that obstacle.

I think our biggest obstacle is how much we struggle with self esteem. Of course that can't apply to everyone but it's the biggest problem I see. Overcoming it, I believe, takes stepping into yourself, not strictly as a Black woman but as a person, an entity who has much to offer. I also think it takes a certain level of dismissing the he-say and she-say, the extra opinions that have us constantly trying to prove something. Just be your very best and love who you are.

What keeps you strong and motivated?...What keeps you going each day?

Faith. Knowing that I haven’t learnt even a quarter of what I need to learn. I tend to be an untrusting person; almost to a fault so I’d like to see how that progresses as well. I enjoy finding out new things – even when they come as hard lessons. Knowing myself,cultivating sincerity and empathy in myself and seeking excellence in what I decide to do. Fascinating, strong and extra-ordinary people are also motivators. Day to day though, my strongest motivator has to be that innate need to know, to find out, to have discourse about what happens; I’m a talker, I talk about what bothers me, even if it’s difficult because I’ve seen that there’s merit in honesty.

Update: At Alice Yard Tomorrow

2009-12-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

This coming Saturday, we will launch the Alice Yard Shop, a new intervention in Trinidad's commercial art market. Rather than a permanent retail outlet, the Shop is an exhibition and sale of artists' limited editions and multiples, design objects, and some original artworks, reasonably priced and intended to be affordable to beginning collectors. Every few months the Alice Yard Shop will exhibit a new selection of works and objects, which will also be available for purchase online.

The first Shop exhibition and sale opens at 6.00 pm on Saturday 19 December, 2009. It will feature objects by a range of artists who have been involved in Alice Yard's activities over the past year, including Akuzuru, Christopher Cozier, Marlon Darbeau, Michelle Isava, Jaime Lee Loy, Brianna McCarthy, Nikolai Noel, Suzanne Nunez, Richard Rawlins, Seon Thompson, Rodell Warner, Adam Williams, and Robert Young.

All are invited.

For more information, contact helloaliceyard@gmail.com

Pucker Up

2009-12-17T08:39:00.000-04:00

I was asked to do an interview by Craig over at Kiss My Black Ads. This is it; I'm actually quite happy with it. Do enjoy!

12/16/09 Interview: Brianna McCarthy

How did you discover artistic ability?

Accidentally. I’m not even sure. I’ve always, for as long as I’ve known myself, been attracted to creating things. I come from a resourceful family; a low income background has a tendency to provoke that! So, I knew that it was possible to alter most things, do without some things and make completely new things. Art was and escape for me too – I daydreamed too much as a child, drew too much, wrote too much – gave me the opportunity to be somewhere else constantly.

How is your ethnicity a source of inspiration or strength in your work? Or is it just sort of a default setting that has little bearing.

It's both. I just am what I am, the product of many things and that's both mundane and exciting. I’m certainly influenced by my ethnic make-up or cultural influences as I want to know them intimately – it’s all very beautiful. Someone asked me once why all my paintings were of Black women. I had to think about it. I knew the answer, but what was it? I happen to be Black, female and West Indian; it’s what I identify with and influences how I see myself – therefore, it comes out in my expression.

Is being a woman artist different from being a man designer, do you find it liberating or challenging?

Liberating. I love being female and I love that men are different. I think male designers are quite different from female artists. My partner is a male designer and the differences between us, which I can attribute to creative differences, are fascinating. I make things I think are gorgeous to look at and that bring positivity because of that; he seeks to solve a problem through design. It’s quite interesting.

Is that question irrelevant?
Haha! I think it's relevant if you're into that dynamic.

What aspect of your art do you really love?

The reactions my work provokes. When someone really enjoys what I’ve made, it’s a good feeling. When I’m done and I know, from the piece, that it’s done and I’m happy with it, it’s a good feeling.

What's the most challenging part of what you do?

Figuring out exactly what it is that I do! My call card says “Brianna McCarthy – Makes Things”. Seriously though, being self taught is awesome I think but I wonder what I missed out on sometimes. I went with my other loves (Literature, French) for university. I didn’t ever consider studying art. I might change that at some point though.

What's your dream job?

Finding a way to create for a living outside of working at an agency or design company. I actually enjoy, if that's the right word, working in the corporate field -- it provides me a little balance.

Can you discuss any specifics about the process of creating a few of the pieces you sent.

The portraits of the 5 girls were done on a four day family vacation on the south coast of Trinidad. It was beautiful – the weather, the sea, the people – a great vibe. But I was pretty pensive that weekend – these girls were done during and after that time – a period of clarity. They’re honestly some of my favourites.

Any advice for neophytes?

Being a neophyte myself, I’d have to say – keep learning, stay focused, be smart about who you take advice from and trust yourself a little. Risk is good most times, even though I don’t often take my own advice in that regard. Most of all, be honest with yourself about yourself.

Lauren Hinds, Cloth, Frocks and a Little Boy Named Ari

2009-12-10T13:33:00.000-04:00

I'm excited about a few things today.

One of my favourite people finally started her blog. Lauren Hinds is an illustrator, designer, bookbinder (I have a handmade journal from her; it's absolutely gorgeous) and a friend of mine. She's currently based in the US where she's studying.

My family has grown a bit with the addition of my fourth nephew earlier today. Ari's a perfect little boy, with a full head of black hair, trying to suck his hands last I heard. I'm very excited -- I love those boys to bits.

I was asked to model for a regional design company called The Cloth. Great experience, exhausting but awesome. The photographer is Arnaldo James who can pull mood and texture out of anywhere.

Coming out of that experience, was an opportunity which I will post about at a later point. I'm thrilled about it though.

I'm studying and whatnot so forgive my lapses. Exams are next week so I should be back on stream after that.

Also, I was featured on two very cool blogs: Parapluies at Soleil (Khristian is an illustrator and a generally fly person) and Dolls of Colour. Thank you ladies!

Keep good and blessings!

Paper Things

2009-11-26T13:28:00.000-04:00

I wanted packaging that suited me - bright and whimsical but not overly cute. Last weekend I pulled out all my scrapbooking devices(I haven't been using them) and delighted myself. I was honestly delighted. These are my paper things.

And...I opened an Etsy store...feel a little iffy about it all but while my mood persists it's here.

Sunchaser

2009-11-20T09:33:00.000-04:00

I think she's enchanting. I'm pretty sure you'll see her magic too.

It's been a while!

2009-11-12T09:22:00.000-04:00

A few things have been going on. I photographed my first wedding with RW. It was a fantastic experience and I’m pleased with the results. It was lovely ceremony and it feels so good to have gotten photos which were exciting.

Shooting for Closer started, which was another interesting experience. The human interpersonal dynamic, between strangers of different races, classes and places in Trinidad, is something else to watch. A very active day on the Promenade complete with long drives to Maracas Bay and Paramin with Dave and RW. There’s much to be gotten when the people around you are of the good kind.

A piece of madness; I was an extra in a short film here. It was too much fun to meet up with friends I haven’t seen in ages and to make some new acquaintances.

I’ve been busy with assignments and life things; it’s fantastic to see so many new visitors though…

Oho…I want to thank Essense Vibez for her constant support and Mae for featuring me on her blog…Thank you ladies!

Blessings and keep good…

Martha says hullo...

The Description of the Curious Creatures

2009-10-16T08:12:00.000-04:00

I love a good book. I can appreciate almost any literature, which is what happened with Amos Tutuola’s The Palm Wine Drinkard. It’s one of those books that can make you cringe in utter disbelief. Some think it brilliant, its simplicity so novel that only genius could create it, others are simply mortified.

I love it for a simple reason; the imagery which is richly elaborate, imaginative, fantastical and vividly coloured by landscape. It’s on the strange side.

Imagine following the “perfect” person, a complete person, refusing to be chased away by their bad attitudes and all those other little indicators that maybe you should run for the hills. Imagine that, then imagine watching as they remove each perfect, complete part and return it to whoever they borrowed it from. An arm here, a lovely leg there; maybe a personality as well. I know I’ve been there.

I ponder over my insecurities and the impossibilities that make me utterly paranoid. Perhaps these ladies are those. Perhaps they’re the insecurities I see in people all around me. Whatever they may seem to you, I hope you heed Tutuola’s advice “DO NOT FOLLOW UNKNOWN MAN’S BEAUTY”.

As A Matter of Fact...

2009-10-09T10:18:00.000-04:00

This is Faith...

I've realised that I don't write much about myself on my blog, which is partly due to being very private and partly due to being unsure of what to say. I much rather be asked a question than to volunteer information. Naarya made this easier on me by having her awards come with a series of questions. This might also be a completely pointless exercise, it's fun though.

Thank you Naarya!

Here we go:

Urban Paper, Lemonade and Other Things

2009-10-08T09:13:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Kia over at Urban Paper Loft (stationary, gifts and apparel) for naming me an Urban Paper Girl. Check out the interview and blog!

Urban Paper Girl Brianna McCarthy
I've beginning to meet (virtually) some of the most wonderful women through this blog. I saw Artist Brianna McCarthy's blog a few weeks and was instantly smitten with her beautiful style

Also, I'm pretty pleased about this, many thanks to Don't Be A Slut for the Lemonade Stand blog award. She has an amazing blog and a powerful message. She's also described my girls as "big-eyed beautiful black girls" and I think I love that description more than any I've heard before.

You need to vibes her; amazingly tart, humorous and honest writer.

I have instructions as to how I need to pass this award along and you know I'm all for great attitude, honesty and all those good things so here's my short list:

Essense Vibez

B is for Stealing

Naarya

Black.Girl. Thoughts (Like Don't Be A Slut, Cheron already has one of these but I wanted to pass it on again)

Congrats people and here are the rules of engagement:

Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude and/or gratitude.
Link to your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Nominate your favorites, and link to this post.

and...Rodell Warner is currently being featured on The Creative Review for his Photo Booth Installation.

The Sisters Grey - Blue and Pink

2009-10-05T08:19:00.000-04:00

'ullo.
I've been pleasantly occupied. Changed jobs, back at school, learning things that I didn't even consider. It's beautiful; doesn't always feel good but it's honest and that's what matters.

I changed my banner to something a bit more vibrant. It’s watercolour and ink on 140lb paper…I’m enjoying it right now, hopefully I won’t tire of it too soon.

How are you?

A Girl and Her Flowers

2009-10-02T08:09:00.000-04:00

and...I got this blog award from I am the Walrus and I wanted to pass it on to a few folks:

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Essense Vibez

Retromus-ik

Lion-essence

Check it...

2009-09-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

I'm off to class but I wanted to share this with you; RW's site is finally up.

Vibes it: www.rodellwarner.com